Guide to third-party fire and theft road insurance

What is TPFT cover, and is it a decent insurance to drive on the road?

TPFT is one step up from a third-party-only insurance policy, but has less protection than fully comprehensive.

Third-party fire and theft car insurance is regarded as an intermediate policy.

The crucial detail with this type of insurance is that it does NOT pay for repairs on your car resulting from a road accident. 

That might be enough to put you off, but comparing it with a fully comprehensive policy using a comparison tool like Confused.com is simple.

Notes – Alongside car tax and a valid MOT (where applicable), you must have a valid insurance policy to drive legally on the road in the UK.

The minimum level of road insurance cover is third-party only.

What do you get with third-party fire and theft car insurance cover?

The clue is in the name:

• Third parties – Repair costs for someone else’s vehicle or property.
  Injury and medical compensation costs resulting from an accident.
• Fire damage – Repair costs if your car is damaged by fire, whether deliberate or accidental.
• Theft cover – Costs to replace your vehicle if stolen but not recovered.
  Repair costs if your car is stolen and recovered but has sustained damage. This might be a broken ignition, smashed window or cosmetics.

Some third-party fire and theft car insurance policies include a payout where sat-nav or audio systems were stolen or damaged due to theft or fire.

Check the terms of a policy before you buy.

Also look at car insurance explained – a detailed guide to all common types of car insurance offered by UK insurers.

Third-party fire and theft exclusions

What’s not covered in a standard TPFT insurance policy?

Standard third-party fire and theft car insurance usually excludes the following items:

• Damage to your vehicle due to a road accident deemed your fault. It means you will pay for repairs
• Damage to personal items (resulting from a crash), such as a laptop, mobile phone or other valuable items
• Repair bills from attempted theft should you leave your vehicle unattended whilst unlocked (unsecured)
• Medical fees if you’re hurt from a road traffic accident

If the accident was deemed someone else’s fault, their insurer should pay out for your losses.

Third-party fire and theft vs. comprehensive insurance and third-party only

As mentioned, third-party fire and theft offers mid-level protection. Below, we compare it to the other common types of insurance policies offered by UK insurers:

Third-party cover only

It is the minimal level of car insurance you can buy. You are compliant with UK laws to drive on the road, but your level of coverage is nominal.

It will insure you for damage to other people’s cars and compensation for injuries they suffer.

It doesn’t pay out for damages to your vehicle or injuries you suffer from an accident.

Your car is also NOT covered for theft or fire damage.

See this guide to third-party insurance meanings.

Comprehensive car insurance policy

Recommended if affordable.

Comprehensive policies offer you the highest levels of protection.

You can have all the benefits included in a third-party fire and theft policy, but you also profit from protection should you have an accident that’s your fault (your liability).

Fully comp is the highest protection insurance companies offer, giving you the most peace of mind.

Some well-known insurers only offer a comprehensive insurance option to mitigate risk.

See our guide to comprehensive car insurance meanings.

Should I buy third-party fire and theft insurance?

Is it a suitable policy for me?

Much depends on your circumstances and affordability.

Generally, comprehensive is the most expensive and third-party car insurance tends to be the cheapest (in the short term), although this isn’t always the case.

Circumstances where third-party fire and theft might be suited:

• Repair bills for the make and model of your car are relatively cheap
• Your car is old and doesn’t hold much value (reasonable for you to replace). If it was a car write-off, you could probably replace it yourself without needing to check for car finance
• You drive below average mileage, meaning that the likelihood of having an accident is less than other drivers

If you cannot afford to pay for repairs or replace your vehicle should it be damaged or stolen, a third-party fire and theft policy may not be suitable.

Cost comparisons

Is a comprehensive insurance policy more expensive than third-party fire and theft?

Historically, TPFT insurance has been cheaper than fully comp. But in recent years, the insurance sector has changed how it provides quotes. You may find some fully comprehensive insurance less expensive than third-party fire and theft.

We suggest you get insurance quotes from a range of providers.

It’s simple to do with an online tool like the one offered by Confused.com.

Input your personal information and vehicle registration number to get a fixed annual quote from over 200 insurers.

You can compare fully comp with third-party in just a few minutes.

High-risk drivers, such as young drivers or those with driving convictions, may lean towards a third-party policy.

It means the likelihood that insurers will have to pay out is increased. It’s one of the reasons why reduced coverage car insurance policies can be more expensive.

Data averages provided by Compare the Market^:

June 2023 – average comprehensive premiums were £743

June 2023 – moderate third-party fire and theft premiums were £1,158

This doesn’t mean that the price you are quoted for third-party fire and theft will be more expensive than a fully comprehensive policy. It depends on your circumstances and the vehicle you’d like to insure.

FAQs about Third-Party, Fire and Theft Insurance

Understanding Third-Party Damage

• What is third-party damage?
  Third-party damage refers to harm inflicted on someone else’s property or vehicle, excluding damage to your car. This can include damage to another vehicle or property, like walls or fences.
• Does third-party insurance cover injury compensation?
  Yes, third-party insurance may cover compensation costs if you injure someone.

Coverage and Benefits

• Can I get a no-claims discount with this insurance?
  Yes, most car insurance policies, including third-party, fire and theft, allow you to accumulate a no-claims discount. Consult your insurance provider for specific details.
• Does third-party, fire and theft insurance cover vehicle recovery?
  If you lack comprehensive coverage, you might have to pay for vehicle recovery if it becomes undrivable after an accident. However, exceptions may apply if someone else is at fault or your policy explicitly includes recovery.

Considerations for Young Drivers

• Is third-party, fire and theft insurance better for young drivers?
  Third-party, fire and theft insurance may be better choices for young drivers. While it might appear cheaper, opting for less coverage, choosing a comprehensive policy could be more cost-effective. Comprehensive coverage offers more protection, especially for young drivers with less experience, as it covers damages to a car involved in an accident.
• Given that young drivers statistically face a higher risk of accidents, this approach could save money in the long term.

Related guides

DVLA insurance check – Live insurance status of any UK vehicle that’s on the road
Car tax checker – Fast online road tax checks including costs, CO2 output and emissions
Buy car without V5C – Guidelines to buying or selling a car without proper documentation